There comes a time in a child’s life when birthday hats and pin the tail on the donkey may not cut the birthday cake. Kids want to have fun and celebrate in a unique way that leaves guests saying, “That was the best party – ever!” Richmond boasts a variety of unique venues that fit the bill when you want to throw a memorable birthday bash.
What’s a birthday without cake? Celebrate your child's birthday at Bell's Bake Shop where party guests will tour of Bell’s kitchen, receive a mini lesson on how to decorate a cupcake, enjoy a game and face painting, and have enough time left over to eat party food and open presents. For added fun, order Bell’s supersized cupcake – it feeds 10 to 12 people.
The word spreads far and wide when there’s a trampoline in a friend’s backyard. Now imagine 42,000 square feet of enclosed, interlocking trampolines and the fun really begins! Round up eight buddies to enjoy Extreme Air Park’s birthday package that includes jump time, jumping socks, a t-shirt for the guest of honour, a private party room, pizza, drinks and ice cream cake – it all adds up to a bouncing good time.
A smorgasbord of party possibilities awaits young Picassos at 4Cats. Depending on the age and area of interest, parties involve everything from creating miniature masterpieces (think princesses, fairies, dragons and space aliens) with polymer clay to colourful splatter sessions – Jackson Pollock would definitely have given this creative painting party his blessing. Happier children you have never seen as they emerge from the splatter room looking like a work of art.
Archery has surged in popularity thanks to The Hunger Games, so your kids are sure to love an afternoon of (totally safe) bow-and-arrow action. This is a terrific party idea for girls and boys ages eight and up. Get together a gang of 14 little Robin Hoods to enjoy a beginner’s archery lesson followed by Samurai sword cake cutting in a private party room. An instructor hosts the party from set up to clean up.
Billed as “the most interactive sports attraction in North America,” this new museum, which opened in late 2015, recreates the excitement of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Parties for children ages six to 15 include over a dozen interactive challenges and sport simulators, including bobsledding, jump skiing, shooting hockey pucks and soccer balls. Kids will also get to enjoy an hour of staff-led activities and a private screening of Pursuit Of A Dream in the ROX Theatre. Cool!
Who doesn’t love receiving an invitation to attend a bowling party? There’s loud music, food, a little friendly competition and if you are really lucky you’ll hit a patch of time where there’s cosmic bowling. Tip: remember to dress your child in something white because it’s oh so fun to glow in the dark. Five- and 10-pin bowling is available. Remember to ask the staff to put up the gutter guards if you want to avoid those frustrating gutter balls.
Just add water and fun is guaranteed to follow at Watermania. The spacious wave pool and two exciting waterslides are highlights at this Richmond waterpark. For younger children what’s better than a large seahorse pouring water into a giant tipping bucket, a tot-sized slide, and a variety of interactive sprayers and water wheels? A private party room may be reserved in advance. Bring your own food or book a custom-made menu for your group through Watermania’s concession.